Raising car warranty claims can be pretty straightforward through motor warranty online services most vehicle insurers provide. However, if your vehicle has comprehensive insurance coverage and you aren’t too sure about the covered events, quickly check your policy disclosure statements or talk to your car insurer to clarify your doubts.
You can check the FAQs or resources section on your vehicle insurance company’s web portal to seek answers to common questions regarding the right conditions for filing claims.
While you look for answers, read this article to learn if car owners having comprehensive car insurance can raise claims in the below-mentioned cases.
1. Car dents
A comprehensive policy can cover the costs of fixing a vehicle’s damage, including dents. Even so, weigh the repair costs and the potential savings you will make by raising a claim before deciding. For instance, if the cost of repairing a ding, scratch, or dent is lower than the standard excess you must pay while claiming, there is little use in seeking the help of your vehicle insurance policy in a case like that. At the same time, the repairing costs of dents caused by high-impact collisions, hail storms, or other grave road incidents can be hefty, which is when you have more reason to consider claiming with your insurer.
2. Rear-end collisions
Usually, the vehicle driver who rear-ends in a vehicle collision is considered the at-fault party. According to road rules in NSW, the tailing vehicle must maintain a minimum distance from the car in front of it to ensure road safety. Vehicle insurers will collect dashcam footage and other evidence to determine the liable party.
3. Sideswipe events
Sideswipe means a vehicle giving a sharp blow to the side of another car. Such events can happen when one or more vehicles travel in the same direction on multi-lane highways. This is precisely why car drivers must avoid distractions while changing into another lane or inspect the blind spots before lane shifting. Vehicle insurers will examine all evidence before confirming each driver’s contribution to the unfortunate road event. Determining each party’s contribution to the situation is vital, so the financial compensation is fair and square.
4. Damaged parked car
Yes, you can raise a claim and recover the damage costs from an at-fault party, provided your insurer manages to find the culprit who contributed to your vehicle damage or you have solid evidence to prove that someone damaged your car. You can make a claim otherwise, but your insurer will treat it as a fault. This means you must pay applicable excesses while claiming and lose your no-claims discount during policy renewal.
5. Damaged car after a theft event
When the repair cost exceeds the amount for which a vehicle is covered, the insurer will deem it an event of total loss and offer the policyholder a new car or market/agreed value payment (depending on the policy type), while subject to the policy’s terms and conditions. Connect with your insurer to know under what circumstances a vehicle retrieved in damaged condition after a theft incident qualifies for payment or vehicle replacement.
Read a few tips for getting your auto warranty claim approved to ensure you’ll be covered after a breakdown.
1. Read and understand your motor warranty insurance
An extended car warranty is a multi-page document that explains warranty terms and coverage. Make sure that you understand entirely any extended warranty insurance you sign. If you need clarification about what a warranty covers, don’t buy it. Mostly any extended warranty insurance does not cover a standard set of exclusions. Most extended warranties will not include the following :
- Covered parts damaged by non-covered parts
- Any vehicle that is involved in a severe mishap and has been given a salvage title
- Exterior trim
- Interior upholstery
- Latches, hinges, bulbs, and fuses
An exclusionary warranty contract explicitly lists all the parts that are not covered. Therefore, read your warranty cautiously and understand the details on any such list.
2. Save your bills
Be sure to save any service records or bills. After you file a complaint, you may be required to show that you kept your car well-maintained. If you perform your maintenance or change the oil, keep the receipts for any parts and fluids you purchase. In addition, some contracts may require that maintenance only be performed at a licensed repair shop. Only perform your maintenance if this is the case.
3. Address mechanical issues straight away
As you experience an issue, pull your vehicle to a repair shop and initiate the claims process immediately. First, check your contract to see which repair shops will accept your car warranty coverage. Most manufacturer-extended warranties require that you take your car to a dealership for repairs. In many cases, addressing problems right away is a contract condition.
4. Double-Check your warranty coverage
After the mechanic has identified your issue, cross-check your motor warranty to see if your repair is covered. It is worth filing a claim to determine if you need more clarification. However, you can save time if you’re already sure that your repair is excluded or included in your contract.
